TIL: Archaeologists Are Coming for Your Trash

When you think of archaeology, you might think of ancient buildings or Han Solo in a fedora, but the truth is, archaeologists spend more time digging through ancient trash than avoiding ancient Peruvian blowgun traps.

In fact, many of the items behind the glass at your favorite museum were most likely found in a midden or ancient dump. Even today, archaeologists believe that trash reveals more about the lives we actually lead than, say, a journal.

As far as archaeologists are concerned, one man’s trash is indeed another man’s treasure. So the next time you throw that Hot Pocket wrapper in the trash, just remember: It belongs in a museum!

TIL: Archaeologists Are Coming for Your Trash

When you think of archaeology, you might think of ancient buildings or Han Solo in a fedora, but the truth is, archaeologists spend more time digging through ancient trash than avoiding ancient Peruvian blowgun traps.

In fact, many of the items behind the glass at your favorite museum were most likely found in a midden or ancient dump. Even today, archaeologists believe that trash reveals more about the lives we actually lead than, say, a journal.

As far as archaeologists are concerned, one man’s trash is indeed another man’s treasure. So the next time you throw that Hot Pocket wrapper in the trash, just remember: It belongs in a museum!